Chapter 56: The Elven Colony
Alex guided the crystalline shuttle to a smooth landing on a cliff at the planet's equator. The landing site overlooked a wide, rocky depression called Tiankeng, a gigantic sinkhole stretching more than 80 square kilometers.
The Tiankeng's sheer cliffs formed a natural wall, enclosing a separate landmass below teeming with verdant life. As the engines powered down, the shuttle doors slid open with a soft hum, welcoming them to this untouched paradise.
Turning to Arwen, Alex smiled and kissed her gently on the forehead. "Do as you like. I have something to do," he said softly. "You and Lily can roam freely and explore."
Arwen's eyes sparkled with excitement. "We won't stray far," she promised, her melodic voice full of anticipation.
Lily fluttered beside her, a mischievous grin on her face. "Can we have a Pegasus to ride, please? This place is perfect for flying!"
Alex chuckled. "Of course." With a wave of his hand, a magnificent Pegasus emerged from the ring world. The creature's white coat shimmered like stardust, and its wings stretched wide, catching the sunlight in an iridescent glow.
"Thank you, Alex!" Lily squealed, zipping around the Pegasus. Arwen mounted gracefully, her silver hair cascading like a waterfall, and the two of them took off, the sound of Lily's laughter fading into the distance.
Alex turned back to the cliff's edge, the wind stirring his hair. He sank into a cross-legged position, closed his eyes, and extended his consciousness outward. His mind delved deep into the Tiankeng below, brushing against the pulse of life within it.
He felt the myriad ecosystems thriving there, from the smallest microbes burrowing in the soil to the small creatures weaving through dense forests. A ribbon-like waterway wound through the land, fed by a roaring waterfall to the north.
He extended his right hand, his will flowing outward. The valley below responded to his intent, shifting and reshaping.
A breathtaking city began to materialize, designed to blend seamlessly with the environment.
White, dome-shaped buildings emerged, their smooth, non-reflective surfaces glistening under the sun. Towering skyscrapers with gentle arcs and crystal-clear windows rose gracefully, reflecting sunlight in soft, prismatic hues.
Nature intertwined with the architecture, trees lined the avenues, lush gardens bloomed between structures, and clear streams bubbled through the streets. Vertical gardens climbed the sides of buildings, and pathways were shaded by leafy canopies.
Schools, medical centers, markets, and recreational areas appeared organically, each structure serving a purpose. Shops lined the central streets, inviting life and commerce.
Public spaces were abundant, designed for community gatherings, relaxation, and celebration. Invisible, clean-energy systems powered the entire city, ensuring sustainability without disruption.
At the city's heart stood a colossal crystalline tree. Its branches shimmered like spun glass, radiating a soft, ethereal light. The tree wasn't merely ornamental, it housed the city's central computer system that manages the city.
From the souls of the mercenaries and criminals Alex had captured, now served a new purpose. Combined into a central core computer, Sub-programs from this core extended to the fleet, ensuring flawless communication and coordination. Through Alex's power, they could communicate instantly across any distance.
Turning his focus, Alex created a new sub-species: smaller, winged elves with transparent wings that shimmered like dragonfly wings. These elf subspecies would manage the city's facilities, receiving directives from the central computer.
They possessed free will, could form families, and even bond with the full-sized elves. Alex endowed them with management skills and practical life magic, ensuring they could maintain the city's functionality.
Docking ports materialized along the cliffs, sleek platforms extending outward over the city below. With a wave of his hand, Alex summoned his fleet.
Massive Admiral-class vessels, swift Cruisers, and nimble Exploratory ships emerged from the ring world, their mithril and Silmarillion crystal surfaces gleaming in the sunlight. They glided effortlessly into position, docking with precision guided by the ship computers.
In the fleet's cryo-chambers, the slumbering elves stirred. At Alex's silent command, the pods hissed open. The elves stepped out gracefully, each aware of their roles and duties.
Commanders gathered their teams, engineers began system checks, security officers organized security protocols, and navigators studied star charts. Medical personnel ensured everyone was healthy and ready.
Within days, the elves had settled into their duties. Scientists took small shuttles to explore the planet, cataloging its diverse flora and fauna. The city stirred with life, some elves chose their ideal homes among the newly created buildings, while others began forming bonds and relationships, their unique personalities blossoming.
Alex stood at the cliff's edge, watching the city breathe with vibrant energy. The balance between his creation and nature was flawless. Satisfaction filled him as the cool wind brushed his face.
"Let's call it Vaelwyn City." Alex muttered.
At the same time terminals carried by everyone, all over the ship and the city displayed this name, making the elves cheer.
Footsteps approached softly. Arwen slid her hand into his, her presence a warm comfort. "What's next?" she asked, her voice a gentle murmur.
Alex smiled, his gaze fixed on the thriving city below. "They will set out to explore," he replied.